[NTLUG:Discuss] [ms.g@noitacude.com: [sb1116] ALERT: Texas "super DMCA" movingthrough the legislature]

[Kipton Moravec]

>Besides, AT&T's agreement is kind of bogus.  It is only a *requirement* if 
>you don't know another way to share the connection other than a hub/switch 
>and multiple IPs from AT&T.  This agreement is informing the consumer of 
>*one possible way* to do that, one which requires extra dollars to AT&T.
>They just "fail to mention" that there is another way to achieve about the 
>same end result, without sending them extra dollars.

I disagree.  The argument you are making is that it is O.K. to steal 
service if you know how to do it. (Lets see how that stands up in court. 
AT&T says to the judge it is theft of services because we charge for extra 
computers. You reply "No it is not because I know how to hook up multiple 
computers without paying extra.")  The law if passed will make it easier 
for the ISP to get you for theft of services, because they charge for each 
computer hookup, and you are getting around that with a router.

They already say you can not run a server on the cable network.  And I 
believe they are checking for it on a continuous basis, by scanning those 
ports.

However, the cell phones are going the other direction. It looks like most 
will offer unlimited service which includes long distance for a fixed price 
as the competition heats up even more.

<http://www.nytimes.com/2003/05/23/business/23PHON.html?th>Phone Companies 
See Their Future in Flat-Rate Plans
By NICHOLAS THOMPSON
Every telephone call in the world may soon become a local call, thanks to 
increasing competition and technological advances.
http://www.nytimes.com/2003/05/23/business/23PHON.html?th

There is not enough competition in the broadband market yet.  You have DSL 
from your phone company, or cable modem from your cable company.  It may be 
a different story if broadband goes wireless so the last 1000 feet or so is 
less expensive. I don't see something like the Free Seattle Wireless system 
http://www.seattlewireless.net here in Dallas or more specifically 
Plano.  If that took off, then the cable companies and DSL will counter by 
trying to limit the nodes that make connection to the internet.

Kip